Electric switch



J. H. NELSON ELECTRIC SWITCH Jan. 31, 1928.

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 18, 1927 Jan. 31, 1928.

J. H. NELSON ELECTRIC SWITCH 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 lrllul r l Ilnllll Filed Feb. 18, 1927 KI Ill! windings, the primary winding Patented Jan. 31, 1928.

JOHN H. NELSON, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO HARRY A. DOUGLAS, OF

BRONSON, MICHIGAN.

ELECTRIC SWITCH,

Application filed February 18, 1927.

My invention relates to electric current conducting winding elements and to circuit controlling switches in electrical association therewith.

The invention finds particular utility in connection with spark producing circuit systems employed for producing sparks in cylindcrs of internal combustion engines that are employed in the power plants of automobiles or other automotive vehicles. The invention has for its general object the novision of an improved assembly of the winding elements and the associated switches whereby the switches and the circuit terminals thereat are guarded from unwarranted access and the combined structures are simplified and occupy less space than hitherto.

In carrying out my invention, the switch employed in such a structure is sandwiched or confined between coils of the winding which serve to obstruct access to the switch. ll here the device is inclusive of primary and secondary windings of an induction coil used in an ignition system, one of these for example, is mechanically split into two coils and the switch is located between these coils. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the coils between which the switch is placed are cylindrical and tubular, these coils being coaxial and arranged in tandem and being sutiiciently spaced apart along their common axis to receive the switch therebetween. The other winding of the induction coil. the secondary winding if the primary winding is mechanically split into two coils as described, desirably surrounds the coils of the first winding and the switch interposed between these coils. The secondary winding, being in the zones of the switch and the two coils of the primary winding between which the switch is disposed, effectively prevents the access of switch disturbing tools applied from the exterior of the device transversely to the axis thereof. Said primary coils, themselves, effectively prevent access of switch disturbing tools to the switch along the axis .of these coils. here the structure is provided with a magnetizable core, as in the case of an induction coil, the core portion within the inner winningserves to gu -d the switch from access through the inte i r of the device.

i0 enable the employment of simple illustrated is inclusive of Serial No. 169,347.

mechanism for operating the switch, the two coils between which the switch is sandwiched are relatively rotatable upon their common axis or are otherwise relatively movable, the adjacent faces of these coils carrying complemental contacts of the switch whereby the switch is placed in circuit opening or circuit closing adjustment, according to the position to which the coils are relatively placed. One of the coils is desirably fixed and the other is movably mounted, a handle being provided for operating the latter coil. This handle is preferably in the nature of a key that is acceptable by a lock which is adjustable by the key to hold the movable coil in circuit opening position, in the case of an ignition circuit, upon the withdrawal of the key and which permits the key to 0perate this coil to circuit closing position upon the insertion of the key which thus constitutes a removable handle.

Where a coil is employed to act as an operating element of the switch, I do not wish to be limited to the employment of another coil in conjunction therewith, it being obvione that other means may be employed in conjunction with the first coil for confining the switch contacts.

I will explain my invention more fully by reference to the accompanying drawings in which Fig. l is a longitudinal sectional view of a so-called induction coil equipped in accordance with the preferred embodiment of my invention, portions being broken away and partially shown in elevation; Fig. 2 is a sectional view on line 22 of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a front view of a portion of the structure shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a side view on a smaller scale, parts being broken away; Fig. 5 is sectional view of a part of the structure on line 5-5 of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a sectional view on line 6-6 of Fig. 1; Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the two coils, that carry the complemental switch contacts, in separated relation; 8 is a perspective view of the preferred form, of locking mechanism; and Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic view illustrating one circuit arrangement.

The hollow current conducting element a winding mechanically divided into two generally cylindrical tubularcoils l. 1 that are preferably coaxial and arranged in tandem. In the embodi nentof the invention illustrated, these two coils are serially electrically connected with and .togetherc'onstitute the primary ofan induction coil that is employed in a circuit serving to produce sparks in thecylinders of. an. internal combustion engine. Another winding 2 is illustrated which, in this instance, is secondary to the winding 1, 1,

this secondary winding being shown as sur-.

rounding the primary winding in the em bodimentof the invention illustrated. The primary winding has OHC-itQllDlnZtl grounded through-a circuit interrupter 3 whose c0119 tacts are shunted by a condenser 43- The other terminal of the primary winding is grounded through a battery 6.. The secondarywinding 2 also has one terminal groundedjthrough the circuit interrupter 3, the other terminal of the winding 2 being connected with the revolving arm ,7 of adistributor whosewaiting contacts 8 aresuccessively engaged l) said arm, these waiting contacts being; connectedwith the else-- trodes 9 of spark plugs or other gas igniting elements that'arecontained in the riouscyl nders of the internal combustion engine, indicated at 10, that is equipped with' the ignition system.

I have shown an 8-sliaped magnetizable core for the windings of the induction coil, this core having its'middle member 11 received within the alignedbores of the two primary coils 1,1, the core member 11 being desirably surrounded by a tubular sleeve of insulation 12 in fined relation with the core, this sleeve being tightly received with in the bore of the coil 1, whereby this coil is fixed with respect to said core. Said, sleeve is loosely received within the bore OI the coil 1 to permitthe latter coil'to be moved, this coil being preferably adapted itorturning movemententirelyflwithin its ownzone.

The core member '11 is shown as being formed in two sections which abut, as indicated at 13- in Fig. 6. One of these core sections is shown as being integrally formed with-the three-sided external core member 14 and the other of said core sections as be- :ing integrally formed with the three-sided external core member 15, the core members 14 and 15 having interlapping ends, as ind cated at- 16 in Fig. l, which are maintained in magnetic circuit closing relation by means of the pins 17. The core members Hand 15 surroundfthe windings 1, 1., 2 and serve to hold the windings in relation to each other.

Ihave shown liners 18 and 19 0t insulation between the winding 2 andthe' inter-V mediate portions of the members 1 1 and 15, the liner 18 being also interposed between theprimary coil 1 and the inidpo-i'tion'ot core member 14. These liners are tightly fitted between the core and the eoilsl'and 2 so that these coils are firmly fined withrespect to'the core. The winding orcoil2 may have a sheet of'insulation 2O surround- .upon contacts 29 and 30 that are in said spring barrels. The coil 1 desirably ing the same and the bore of this winding may be furnished with a tubular lining 21 of insulation, the coil 1 being tightly re ceived in the annular space between the sleeve 12 anc. the lining 21 whereby this coil is further tightly ield in place with respect to thec'or'e'. The coil 1 is desirably encased within a ]8.Cl 8i of insulation that is coinposedot' a shell 22 surrounding this coil, a sleeve or lining 23 received in the bore of the coil, an outer ring 2 1 joining the outer rims of the parts 22 and '23, and an inner l'llig' fif oining the inner rims of the said parts 22 and 23. Clearance not only intervenes between the sleeve 12 and the: lining 23 of the coil 1 but clearance also intervenes between the shell 22-otthiscoil1f and the liningill ot the winding 2 and clearance further intervenes between the oaiosin 'iaces V a b of thecoils 1, i so that the coil 1 maybe To this end, the ring carries a' ring of insulation 31 atthe end 1 thereof which'is adjacent the ring 25 and thisring 31 carries cont-acts 32 and 33, the 3 contact 32 constituting one terminal of the coil 1 and the contact 33 being the means by whichthe entire winding; 1, 1 is grounded tl rough the battery 6, when the circuit is closed. The coill thus constitutes a carrier tor-the contacts 32 and 33 that are complemental to the contacts 29*and 30. The complemental contacts 29 and 32 together constitute a switch that is looped into an intermediate portion of the primer" windin i L '1 L y 1, 1 Wnile ooth switches 29, 32 and 30, 33

lio

are desirably employed, the invention is not to be limited. thereto.

'The means for operating illG COll 1 as a contact actuator is des ably inclusive ofa locking structure that contains a hollow lock member or shell This shell is held in. fixed relation to the magnetic core of the clevice by being fixedly secured to the end wall of apre'terably metal skirted cap '35, the skirtof the caprbeing formed with lateral channel portions. 36 that receive parts of the core, rivets 37 being employed to assemble the core and cap s irt. The cap skirt may be further secured n position by being spotwelded to the core and to shell portions 38 thatproye'ct into the cap and which receive.

the core between them. these shell portions being'i'iveted to the core. as indicated at 39,

and alsoispot welded thereto, if desired.

Said-shell portions constitutea convenient means for carrying binding screws and 4:1 by which the device may be connected in circuit. The lock shell 34 receives the tumbler barrel d2 which is rotatable in said shell that has openings 43 in its opposite sides into which the tumblers 44 may be projected. This tumbler barrel is adapted to receive a key 45 for the purpose of withdrawing the tumblers from the openings 43 to permit the tumbler barrel to be turned, it being understood that, in the embodiment ofthe invention illustrated, the switches 29, 32, and 30, 33, are locked open when tne tumblers 44: are received inthe openings following the withdrawal of the lcey. hen the switch is to be closed to render the circuit operative the key inserted to withdraw the tumblers from their locking positions, the hey therea'ter being turned to turn the tumbler barrel to place said switches in closed adjustment. The tumbler barrel is brought into turning relation with the coil 1 to operate said switches through the intermediation of a ring 46 that is in fixed connection with the inner end of the tumbler barrel, and a pin 47 projecting from the inner face of the ring and passing through an arcuate slot 48 in an end wall of one of the shell portions 38, this pin entering radial slot 4:9 in the ring 2st.

The space in which the switches are contained is thoroughly guarded from access by the structure which has been described, the sleeve 12 which contains the midcore mem ber ll being eiiectively closed at its ends by the core and by the shell parts 38. time over, said switches are so located as to be inaccessible even without these precautions. The front of the structure is further guarded by the skirted cap which encloses the lock structure, this cap being secured upon the rear of the pane board 50 by means of the screws 51. The ring l6 serves to cover the arcuate slot 48 so as to guard against the admission ot mercury at this point if it should be attempted to defeat the device by means of mercury, one construction illustrated being such, however, as to make it practically impossible to admit short circuiting fluid to the witch contacts, even without this pred col 1 constitutes a guarding member between which and the movable coil 1 the switch contacts are confined. I do not wish to be limited to the employment of the coil 1 acting as a contact guarding member crating in conjunction. with the movable coil l. for the purpose of guarding the con tacts. The shell portions and the cap constitute a casing which encloses all of the coils ot the switching mechanism and re cei the locking mechan sm that in control the switching mechanism. s u that that coils l and 2 constitute encloses the switch contacts and receives the contact actuating coil 1 that tmay be.

serves substantially to close the casing in so far as accessibility to the contacts is concerned.

Changes may be made without departing from the invention.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1.. The combination with two coaxial electric conducting coils placed in tandem; of a circuit controlling switch having complemental contacts confined between said coils, one of said coils being rotatable upon its axis and in actuating relation with one of said contacts; an additional electric current conducting coil closely surrounding the aforesaid coils and said contacts; and a looking structure in controlling relation to the contact actuating coil.

2. The con'ibination with two coaxial electric current conducting coils placed in .tandeni; of a circuit controlling switch having complemcntal contacts confined between said coils, one of said coils being rotatable upon its axis and in actuating relation with one of said contacts; and a locking structure in controlling relation to the contact actuating coil.

'3. The combination with an electric current conducting coil; of a contact guarding member; a circuit controlling switch having complemental contacts confined between said coil and guarding member and operable trom the exterior of said coil; an additional electric current conoucting coil surrounding said guarding member, the first aforesaid coil and said contacts, one of the first two aforesaid elements being in actuating relation with one of said contacts; and a locking structure in controlling relation to the contact actuating element.

4. The combination with an electric current conducting coil; of a contact guarding member; a circuit controlling switch having complemental contacts confined between saio coil and guarding member and operable from the exterior of said coil; an additional electric current conducting coil surrounding said guarding member, the first a'lt'oresaid coil and said contacts, the first aforesaid coil being rotatable and in actuating relation to one of said contacts; and a locking structure in controlling relation to the contact actuat ing coil.

5. The combination with two electric current conducting coils; of a circuit controlling switch having complemental contacts confined between said coils. one of said coils being movable and in actuating relation with one of said contacts; an additional electric current conducting coil closely surroundingthe aforesaid coils and said con tacts; and a locking structure in controlling relation to the contact actuating coil.

6. The combination with an electric current conducting coil; of a contact guarding llO rent conducting coil; of a contact guaruin member; a circuit controlling switch having complemental contacts confined between said coil Q and guarding member and operable from the exteriorof said coil; an additional electric current conductingcoil surrounding said guarding member, the first aforesaid coil and said contacts, the first aforesaid coil being in actuatingrelation to one of said contacts; and a locking structure in controllingvrelationto the CODEfiChZlCtUZl-tlllg coil.

7. The combination with an electric current conducting coil; of a contact guarding member; a circuit controllin switch having complemental contacts confined between said coil and guarding member and operable.

from the exterior of said coil; and an additional; electric current conducting coil surrounding said guarding member, the first aforesaid coil and said contacts, the first aforesaid vcoil beingrotatable andinactuating relation to one of s'aid. contacts.

8. The combination with an electric curmember; a circuit controlling switch hating complemental contacts confined between said coil and r. guarding member and operable from the exterior of said coil; and an additional electric current conducting coil surroundingfsaid guarding member the first aforesaid coil and said contacts, the first aforesaid coil being in actuating relation to one of said contacts.

9. The combination with one member in the form of anelectric current conducting coil; of a contact guarding member; a carcuitcontrolling'switch having complemental contacts confined between saidcoil and guarding member and operable from the exterior ofsaid coil; and an additional electric current conducting coil surrounding said guarding .member the first aforesaid coil and said. contacts, one of the aforesaid members being in actuating relation with one of said contacts. Y

10. The combination with an electric current conducting coil; of a contact guarding member; a circuit controlling switch having complemental contacts confined between said coil and guarding .member and operable from the exterior of said coil, said coilbeing in actuating relation to one of said contacts; and a locking structure in controlling relation to the contact actuating coil. it

11. Thecombination with an electric current conducting coil; of acontact guarding 1 member; a circuit controlling switch having complemented contacts confined between said coil and guarding member and operable from the exterior of said coil, said 0011 be- 'ing'rotatableand in actuating relation to one of said contacts; and a locking structure in controlling relation tethe. contact actuating coil. g

12. The combination with one member in the formwof an electriccurrent conducting coil; of a contact guarding member; a circuit controlling switch having complemental contacts confined between said coil and guarding member and operable from the exterior of said coil, one of the'aforesaid me1nbers being in actuating relation with one of said contacts; and a locking structure in controlling relation to the contact actuating element. 7

13. The combination with two electric current conducting coils placed in tandem; of a circuit controlling switch having complemental contacts confined between said coils, one ofsaid coils being rotatable upon its axis and'iii actuating relation with one of said contacts; and an additional electric current conducting coil closely surrounding t-he'aforesaidi coils and said contacts.

1a. The combination with two electriccurv rent conducting coils; of a circuit controlling switch having complemental contacts conhnedbetween said co1ls, one of said coils being movable and in actuating relation.

with one of said contacts; and a locking structure in controlling relation to the contact actuatmg c011.

15. The combination with an electric curv rent conducting coil; of a contact guarding member; a circuit controlling switch having complemental contacts confined between said coilsand guarding member and operable coaxial from the exteriorof said coil; and an addirent conducting coils; of a circuit controlling switch having complemental contacts confined between said coils andioperable from theexterior of the coils; and an additional electric current conducting coil closely surrounding the aforesaid coils and said contacts. l

18. The combination with two coaxial electric current conducting coils placed in tan-l dem; of a circuit controlling switch having complemental contacts confined between, said coils and operable from the exterior of the coils; and an additional electric current conducting coil closely surrounding the aforesaid coils and said contacts. 7 y o 19. The combination with one member in the form of'an electric currentconducting coil; of a contact guarding member;'a circuit controlling switchhaving compl-eniental' lac contacts confined between said coil and guarding member and operable from the exterior of said coil, one of the aforesaid members-being in actuating relation with one of said contacts.

20 The combination with an electric current conducting coil; of a contact guarding member; a circuit controlling switch having complemental contacts confined between said coil and guarding member and operable from the exterior of said coil, said coil being rotatable and in actuating relation to one of said contacts.

21. The combination with an electric current conducting coil; of a contact guarding member; a circuit controlling switch having eomplemental cont-acts confined between said coil and guarding member and operable from the exterior of said coil, said coil being in actuating relation to one of said contacts.

22. The combination with two coaxial electric current conducting coils placed in tandem; of a circuit controlling switch having complemental contacts confined between said coils one of said coils being rotatable upon its axis and in actuating relation with one of said contacts 23. The combination with two electric cur rent conducting coils; of a circuit controlling switch. having complemental contacts confined between said coils, one of said coils being movable and in actuating relation with one of said contacts.

2%. The combination with two electric current conducting coils in close proximity; of a circuit controlling switch having complemental contacts confined between said coils and operable from the exterior of the coils; and a locking structure in controlling relation to the switch.

In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name.

JOHN H. NELSON. 

